Mission

The mission of MAPCED is “Promoting the role of counties in fostering economic growth, an expanded tax base, and to enhance quality of life.”

Statement of Purpose

• The purpose of the MAPCED work plan is to direct our members to be involved on a regular basis with the organization.  The work plan will

• Coordinate the activities of the organization for the upcoming year

•  Solicit involvement from our members to lead the organization’s workload

•  Empower our committees to achieve specified outcomes

•  Engage our members in securing our mission

• Clearly define your representation of MAPCED

• Share budgetary information and projections with the Association

Work Plan Initiatives

Legislative Platform

Annually, the Association drafts a platform that centers on economic development issues.  The platform will guide the Association with specific legislative outcomes.

Task Actively support positive legislation which will enhance and encourage economic development

Task Promote the 2008 Legislative Platform, as approved by the Association

Policy and Rules

The Association is concerned with various State and Federal programs and policies.  Often their processes impede the work of the professional economic developer.  The Association will be aware of policies and rules of concern and advocate for efficient and effective programs. The interpretation of the rules and policies will be shared among members.

Task To seek out policy and rules that effect economic development and to inform the Association members as to their potential impact, including:

·        Restructure Small Cities Development Program

Continue support for the implementation of the changes recommended by DEED for the Small Cities Development Program to create a more effective and efficient program for local units of government

·        Eminent Domain and Annexation

Monitor the new legislation in regards to Eminent Domain and Annexation

·        State Economic Development Strategies

Recommend to DEED that the Department develop statewide economic development strategies and determine how it relates to regional, county, and local economic development efforts

The plan should assist in providing direction for programs and staffing at DEED

Membership Retention and Recruitment

It is important to retain the current MAPCED members through active participation and by providing value for the membership.  A challenge for retaining members is turn-over in member county staff.  MAPCED members will need to be current on any changes in the Economic Development staff and to retain the county as a member.

To gain some strength, the Association needs a membership drive that will focus on the counties that have been but no longer are active in MAPCED and other counties that have professional Economic Developers. With our work to bring Economic Development to the forefront and the positive momentum we are building with AMC, it is time to re-energize these counties to participate.

Task Approach counties with active economic development organizations, whether they are potential new members or past members of the association, to join our success

Task Create a membership listing/directory

Communications

The Association brings together a broad range of public and private economic development officials to promote economic development and economic vitality.  The Association will explore opportunities to broaden communication and cooperation among members, sub-committees, other associations, agencies, and AMC.

Task Explore opportunities to provide better communications among members and other agencies.

Task Continue to maintain and utilize the MAPCED web page by members and other agencies or individuals

Education

Over the past few years, the organization has achieved significant recognition from AMC through the presentations and receptions held at AMC events.  These educational events have created a connection to AMC that was previously lacking.

It is imperative that the Association continue to provide these educational opportunities to our county commissioners and AMC.  These seminars, presentations, and receptions assist the Association in achieving its mission.

Task Provide educational opportunities to our county elected officials, county staff, and AMC that provide knowledge of economic development issues and programs

Task Use AMC as the platform for advancing economic development issues

Task Provide educational opportunities for MAPCED members

Committees

Members will volunteer to serve on the committee of his/her choice.  Each standing and special committee shall take minutes at their meetings and present the minutes to the general membership at the Association meetings.

Standing Committees

1. Policy/Rules
The Policy/Rules Committee will review, analyze, identify, and develop matters of public policy that may come before the Association.  They will study and formulate recommendations to the membership concerning public policy.  The committee will also review rules proposed by the State and act as a resource to the Association’s membership in identifying the potential impact on the counties, point out major issues to be addressed by the Association, and individual counties and at the direction of the Association respond in writing to proposed rules and rule changes.

2. Programs/Education
The programs/education committee will be responsible for all arrangements and content of any presentations, programs, or workshops.  This committee will also make such other special arrangements as the President may direct.  The committee is expected to share presentation, program and workshop materials with the Association prior to any event.

3. Legislative
The Legislative Committee will review proposed legislation and inform the membership about legislative issues which affect county economic development programs.  The committee will advise the membership on legislative issues, seek to promote legislation consistent with the purposes of the Association and may seek other organizational assistance in support of or opposition to proposed legislation.

4. Membership/Marketing

The Membership/Marketing Committee will develop and recommend the Association’s marketing material.  The Committee will also be responsible for keeping a current list of membership and making sure that all prospective members have been contacted regarding membership in the Association.

Special Committees

1. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will prepare a slate of candidates and present them to the Association as specified in the By-Laws.  The Nominating Committee will be appointed at the Spring 2009 quarterly meeting of the Association.

2. Agricultural and Rural Development Taskforce of AMC: This group is an AMC established Taskforce.  The Taskforce is responsible for economic development, agriculture, energy and alternatives and rural development issues for AMC.  It is recommended that MAPCED have a list of appointed representatives to participate and advise this group on matters of economic development.

Member representatives from MAPCED for 2008 will be:

Other Associations and Economic Development Events

 MAPCED members should seek out opportunities to participate in events or with other associations to represent MAPCED.  It will increase the Associations understanding of other statewide Economic Development efforts, it will create opportunities for collaboration, and it will provide exposure for the Association.  If a member is participating as a MAPCED representative they must be careful to represent the wishes of the Association.  Association’s with MAPCED representation EDAM, NAHRO, Minnesota Rural Partners, RED Group, Consortium of Greater Minnesota Cities, DEED, and Metro Inter-County Association.

2008 Meeting and Event Dates

EDAM Legislative Day

Annually, EDAM has provided an event to discuss Legislative issues in regards to Economic Development. It is scheduled for February or March 2008. In the past, MAPCED has been invited to present its platform and initiatives for the current legislative session.  Most likely, this year a program will be in conjunction with the EDAM Third Thursday

Responsibility: Legislative Committee – Chair will present the platform for the event.

AMC Legislative Conference

The Association will host a presentation for the County Commissioners.  The Association will also use this event as a quarterly meeting date.  For 2008, MAPCED will encourage visits with local legislators to promote the MAPCED Legislative Platform.

Date(s):Wednesday, March 26, 2008 and/or Thursday, March 27, 2008
Responsibility: Presentation – Program/Education Committee
Responsibility:  Legislative meetings – Legislative Committee
Responsibility: Meeting – Executive Committee

MAPCED Quarterly Meeting

The spring quarterly meeting is normally the third Friday in May.  The 2008 Legislative Platform should be considered at this meeting.

Tentative Date: Friday, May 16, 2008
Location:  To Be Determined

Responsibility: Executive Committee

Ag and Rural Development Taskforce

AMC Ag and Rural Development Taskforce meetings coincide with AMC Policy Meetings.  The Taskforce normally meets two to three times annually.
Responsibility: Ag and Rural Development Committee

MAPCED Annual Meeting

According to the Associations by-laws, the annual conference will be held in September.  MAPCED normally will meet prior to the AMC policy meetings, which are usually scheduled in mid-September.

Tentative Date(s): Thursday, September 4, 2008, and Friday, September 5, 2008
Location:  To Be Determined
Responsibility: Executive Committee and host Economic Developer

AMC General Policy Committee Meeting

The AMC General Policy Committee assembles in mid - September.  The President of MAPCED has attended for the formal representative of the Association.  The legislative platform is presented to the Policy Committee.
Responsibility:  President and Legislative Committee Chair

Statewide Development Conference

This event will be held on _____________, 2008.   In 2006, MAPCED participated in a breakout session to discuss alternative energy.  MAPCED should consider continuing participation in this event.
Responsibility: Membership/Marketing Committee

AMC Conference/Quarterly Meeting

The Association will continue to use this conference as an avenue to educate the AMC Commissioners on Economic Development issues and programs.  The Association will host a presentation, a booth, and a reception.  The Association will also use the Conference as a Quarterly meeting date. 

Tentative Date(s): First week in December
Location:  Minneapolis
Responsibility: Presentation – Program/Education Committee
Responsibility: Reception – Membership/Marketing Committee
Responsibility: Meeting – Executive Committee

MAPCED 2008 Projected Budget

Projected Income Source Total: $7,000

Explanation of Income Sources

•  Membership Dues: Estimated at 35 members at $125 per member

• Interest Earned: Estimated at $60 for the year. Reserves will be placed in CD’s where interest rates are high.

• Reserve Account: $2,565 will be used from reserve to cover additional revenue to balance budget. The beginning balance for the account is estimated at $10,000.